This month has challenged me, stretched me, and pushed me way beyond my comfort zones.
We are staying in Lomé, Togo this month. Three of the teams on my squad are living and doing ministry together. There are 15 people living all together in a small 3 bedroom house. I sleep in the living room with 5 other people, all crowded close together so that everyone can feel a bit of the fan. If you know me at all, you know that I value my alone time. However, with these living arrangements it is very difficult to find any privacy or alone time. Pretty much the only time you are alone is in the bathroom, and even then someone might accidentally walk in on you (one of the bathrooms doesn’t have a door).
Ministry this month is a lot of preaching and teaching. Again, if you know me, you know that I do not enjoy public speaking, particularly in an area where I don’t necessarily feel qualified to speak. Everything about preaching forces me out of my comfort zone. The length of the message, the often unexpectedness, and the feeling of inadequacy.
I’ve preached several times now. Twice I have been asked to give a 30 minute message only moments before having to go up in front of the church. I was not prepared either time. I have since learned my lesson and never go to a church service without my notebook in hand.
I also taught at a bible college. I had to teach for an hour and a half. That is a terrifyingly long amount of time to talk (I had a translator, but still). I have never been described as long-winded but I made it through the whole class. I also struggled with the fact that I was teaching students at a bible college. I have never been to bible college and felt unqualified to teach.
Despite so much discomfort, I can see growth. I haven’t struggled with constantly being around people as much as I would have a few months ago. I am more comfortable in giving a message with little to no preparation. I have been forced to dig into the Word and make sure everything I say is backed up by scripture in order to combat feelings of inadequacy.
I am expectant about the things I will learn and the areas in which I will continue to grow as we finish out our time in Togo. Thank you so much for all your prayers, they have such an impact!
Even when we are not in our comfort zone, God supplies our wisdom, provides our words and is our strength. God is using you in some many ways and planting so many seeds, you may never know this side of Heaven the impact that you are having literally all around the world. Also, you don’t know what God is preparing you for, but He knows His master plan. Continuing to pray for you and I look forward to all of your updates. Blessings always.
Praying for you Catherine
I am praying for you as you grow and stretch in these different circumstances.
Hugs and love,
Mischia
So great to hear this from you Catherine!
A couple of verses come right to mind:
“Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2Cor. 12
“ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1
Keep being faithful to your calling – God will supply all your needs. He’ll continue to equip you for the work ahead. We love you and miss you and are very proud of you.
Thanks for the great update!!
Love, Daddy
You are awesome and with a walking Bible for a mother you are beyond prepared! Praying for you!
Thank you Catherine for the work that you are doing. Your are always in my prayers.
We are all so proud of you and all you are doing. We miss you!
Keep up the great work! You are on the right track! Continue to seek His face and pray for His grace to strengthen you on this journey! Ephesians 3: 20 -21 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to Hus great power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Praying for you everyday, sweet girl and stand strong on His promises!
Much love!
Mommy
Praying for you, Catherine. Praying that your time with the Lord, in His Word, will be rich and will prepare you for all the opportunities He places you in.
Praying for your interactions with those you serve with and people He puts in your path.
“Faithful is He who calls you, And He will also bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Many prayers for you, Catherine. Thank you for providing updates. May God continue to lead you and provide all of your needs. And may He prepare the hearts of those you have yet to encounter.
Catherine, what a joy to read the words, “in the word to make sure what I say is backed up with scripture”. Yes, a thousand times yes! That’s why I’ve always said as I stand before students. “Don’t take my word for it. Read it and know it for yourself.” I am so thrilled for how God is using your yes! I pray for you and your team often. We prayed for you and now Jose as he begins his journey to join the World race next year. We are lifting you up dear friend. I am so proud of you. Obstacles are opportunities , you are living that now. I love you Catherine, we can’t wait to hear more of your journey.
In His Joy,
Eddy
I love and relate to your testimony. Living in cramped quarters and preaching the word out of your comfort level is a great way to draw close to the Lord. I look back at the uncomfortable situations I’ve been lead into and they have brought growth. Thanks for sharing.